HAGERSTOWN – The Washington County Department of Business and Economic Development has opened applications for the Agricultural Innovation and Equipment Grant, offering local farmers and agricultural businesses a chance to secure funding to expand, innovate, and strengthen their operations.
A total of $100,000 is available through individual awards ranging from $1,000 to $25,000 that aim to support projects that enhance efficiency and bolster the county’s agricultural economy.
The grant window will close at 4 p.m. on Oct. 31. Eligible projects include business planning, marketing expansion, value-added ventures, conservation and research improvements, upgrades to agricultural buildings or structures and the purchase of equipment or major fixtures.
Applications will be evaluated using a predefined project scoring sheet, included in the application materials, to ensure transparency in the assessment process. Proposals will be prioritized on a first-come, first-served basis.
Farmers and agricultural business owners can access the fillable PDF application online at the Washington County grant website. The fastest submission method is emailing the completed application with all required attachments to [email protected].
For those preferring a hard copy, applications can be requested by contacting Kelsey Keadle at [email protected] or 301-573-7039. Deliver completed hard copy applications, along with supporting documents, to the Washington County Department of Business and Economic Development. To prepare competitive applications, farmers are encouraged to gather business plans, budgets, quotes, estimates and other supporting documentation as soon as possible.
Officials say the grant program underscores the county’s commitment to fostering growth and sustainability in the agricultural sector and empowering local farms to excel in a competitive landscape.
